Sutton Dinghy Clubs latest Oppie Squad has had an active couple of weekends. Following quickly after Howth Yacht Club Regatta (HYC Regatta report), the past weekend saw 3 of the squad take part in the Allianz sponsored Optimist Leinster Championship in Howth Yacht Club.
This is one of 5 major events on the Optimist racing circuit and with large fleets across Senior, Junior and Regatta it also is where the young Optimist sailor get to hone and improve their skills and in particular their skills relating to starts and managing boat speed particularly when sailing among lots of boats.
In one of the largest Regatta fleets (53 boats) seen this season, our 3 young racers Fionn Mulhall, Abbey Kinsella and Oisin Kelly acquitted themselves very well. On Saturday all three had difficulties in the first race with a little confusion on the actual marks being used. However all 3 showed their determination in the following 2 races with Oisin picking up a 9 and 14 to finish the day in 16th. Abbeys best was a 16th to lie 17th overall and Fionn put the first race behind him to take a 18 and 11 to lie 22nd at the end of Saturday.
Sunday was much lighter and in the end only one more race was run. The youngters continued their improvements with Abbey taking a 10th, Fionn taking 14th and Oisin taking 9th. From a fleet of 53 boats Oisin finished 13th overall, Fionn was 15th overall with Abbey in 16th. In addition Oisin won the best U8 prize, reward for great progress this season.
Final Results have yet to be posted. See Howth Yacht Club event report and IODAI site for results.
[whohit]-2015 Opi Leinsters-[/whohit]